JavaScript is a powerful scripting language that can be embedded directly in HTML. Itallows you to create dynamic, interactive web-based applications that run completelywithin a web browser; you don''t have to do any server-side programming, like writingCGI scripts.JavaScript is a simpler language than Java. It can be embedded directly in web pageswithout compilation, so it is more flexible and easier to use for simple tasks likeanimation. However, although you can write reasonably robust and complete Webapplications using JavaScript alone, JavaScript is not a substitute for Java. In fact,JavaScript is a good client-side complement to Java; using the two together allows you tocreate more complex applications than are possible with JavaScript alone.
JavaScript: The Definitive Guide provides a thorough description of the coreJavaScript language and its client-side framework, complete with sophisticated examplesthat show you how to handle common tasks, like validating form data and working withcookies. The book also contains a definitive, in-depth reference section that covers everycore and client-side JavaScript function, object, method, property, constructor, andevent handler. This book is an indispensable reference for all JavaScript programmers,regardless of experience level.
This third edition of JavaScript: The Definitive Guide describes the latest version of thelanguage, JavaScript 1.2, as supported by Netscape Navigator 4.0. The book alsocovers JavaScript 1.1, which is the first industry-standard version known asECMAScript. This version is supported by both Netscape Navigator 3.0 and MicrosoftInternet Explorer 4.0. The new features ofJavaScript 1.2, which are likely to beembodied in a later ECMAScript standard release, are clearly indicated, so that you canuse them as appropriate in your scripts.
